Oman’s chemicals and plastics capacity will increase by 60 percent

Published December 15th, 2010 - 11:32 GMT

Oman's chemicals and plastics capacity will increase by 60 percent to reach 8.5 million tons in 2012 according to the organisers of ArabPlast 2011.

Oman's chemicals and plastics capacity will increase by 60 percent to reach 8.5 million tons in 2012 according to the organisers of ArabPlast 2011, the Middle East's No 1 trade show for rubber, plastics and petrochemicals, which will be held from January 8 to 11, 2011, at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre.

The sultanate is one of the biggest players in the petrochemical industry in the region, with a global reach spanning 150 countries, according to Mr. Satish Khanna, General Manager of Al Fajer Information & Services, Dubai, co-organiser of ArabPlast 2010.

This was announced at a press conference organized in Muscat by Messe Düsseldorf Germany and Al Fajer Information and Services, organizers of the show.

Mr Sunil Sharma, head of marketing and sales at Oman Polypropylene, attended the press conference, along with Mr Talib Al Harthy, Territory In-charge for Oman and UAE.

The Sultanate of Oman seeks to move away from dependence on the Oil and Gas sector to manufacturing and knowledge-based industries. In this context it has created the Sohar industrial Area for a multitude of Oil and Gas based projects. One of the fundamental goals of the Oman Economic Vision 2020 is the development of a private sector capable of optimum use of human and natural resources in an efficient and ecologically-sound ways. As per this vision the industrial sector including the gas-based industries would play a vital role to achieve Oman's future economic objectives.

One of the largest participants at ArabPlast is Oman Polypropylene LLC (OPP). The OPP plant is also meant to serve as a platform for further downstream polypropylene converting industries to create jobs and business opportunities in Oman.

Khanna added: "Oman Polypropylene's plant in Sahar is perceived as a seed for the development of major future petrochemicals players."

The company aims to be a reputable global provider with diversified portfolio and excellent customer support and ensure continuous improvement to maximize stakeholders' value through profit improvement and business expansion. One of the company's major goals is to promote and encourage local industry growth

The company has aligned itself with Novolen Technology Holding which provides support and development for its well proven technologies.

Khanna added: "For the last five years, the Arabian Gulf region has been the petrochemical hub of the world and it will become the world's largest producer and exporter of petrochemicals and plastics over the next few years. About 30-40% of the world's petrochemical requirements have been supplied and met by the GCC countries."

The show is sponsored by major GCC industrial companies, such as Qapco, Borouge, Abu Dhabi Polymers Park, Petro Rabigh, NATPET, MEP UK among others."

A record number of companies are participating in ArabPlast 2011, a reflection on the growing importance attached by GCC countries to strengthening their manufacturing industries, including plastics and rubber sector, which are known to be more sustainable investments in the long run.

ArabPlast 2011 will showcase latest technologies and track market trends of the Middle East plastics and rubber industry, which continues to be the world's largest exporter, offloading the majority of its output to international markets.